Nutrien’s Richard Miller and Gordon Wood (kneeling left), Goolagong stud principal Heath Tiller and South East manager Tom Taheny and Sterita Park’s Nanni DiGiorgio with the $44,000 sale topper. Picture by Catherine Miller

The recent Sterita Park Angus stud auction in Lucindale, Australia, was a landmark event for the Angus cattle market. The highlight was the sale of the first son of Te Mania Pheasantry P1479, a two-year-old bull named Sterita Park S47, which fetched a record $44,000. This sale to Goolagong stud underscored the bull’s exceptional pedigree, structure, and phenotype, making it a standout in the auction.

Sterita Park S47 distinguished itself among Angus calves born in 2021 in Australia and New Zealand with its superior intramuscular and rib and rump fat scores. This exceptional genetic profile and physical attributes were key factors in the high interest and eventual sale price. The bull’s integration into Goolagong stud’s breeding program, particularly with Genesis and Docklands females, indicates a focus on enhancing genetic quality.

The auction also saw other significant sales, including another Pheasantry son for $26,000 and active participation from various buyers, like JE&LR Gosse and Grassdale Angus. Despite these high-priced sales, the overall average sale price of $12,735 for the 98 bulls sold marked a decrease from the previous year’s average. However, this average still demonstrates a robust market.

The sale not only served commercial purposes but also supported the community. The DiGiorgio family, who hosted the sale, dedicated the proceeds from the final lot to the David Plant Education Fund. This gesture reflects the Angus community’s dedication to nurturing young talent in the beef industry.